Monday, Aug 11, 2008

Episode 23: Modal vs. Tonal Music

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There are about a dozen "modes," which are like major and minor scales only more subtly diverse, and with exotic names like "Dorian," "Phrygian," and "Mixolydian." These ancient scales date back at least to 500 B.C. and were the bread and butter of composers during the Middle Ages and Renaissance until the Major-Minor tonal system took over as the Baroque era approached. While the major-minor tonal system has served Western art music well for centuries, it is a shame to overlook the many shades of tonal color that the church modes allowed.

Posted by Dr. Scott Watson at 6:55 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

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